Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A recent study published in BMC Psychology found that people with HIV have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly fear, and are more likely to experience memory problems. The researchers suggest that this impairment can be debilitating and impact daily life and personal interactions.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D ≤ 400 IU and calcium ≤ 1,000 mg for fracture prevention in postmenopausal women. Daily supplementation has no net benefit and increases the risk of kidney stones, according to a systematic evidence review.
The large-scale antiretroviral treatment (ART) program in rural South Africa has led to a rapid and dramatic increase in population adult life expectancy, with gains observed in both men and women. The benefit of providing ART far outweighs the cost, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $1593 per life year saved.
Research suggests a significant proportion of HIV positive patients are not disclosing their infection to NHS staff, potentially skewing estimates of undiagnosed HIV. This phenomenon may be linked to fear of judgment or stigma, highlighting the need for further study and education.
Research reveals that marijuana use among Russian HIV-infected individuals with risky drinking habits is associated with increased sharing of needles, multiple sexual partners, and unprotected sex. This finding may help clinicians identify those at higher risk of transmitting HIV.
The global response to NCDs can benefit from the successful integration strategies of HIV/AIDS and TB treatment. Building on these partnerships and investments will be crucial in addressing the rising NCD burden, which will overwhelm health systems due to multimorbidity.
Researchers led by Ken Williams are studying cell types that contribute to an HIV viral reservoir and developing new therapies to control the virus's debilitating effects. The team aims to target specific cells and cellular activity linked to conditions like dementia, cardiovascular disease, and nerve damage.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a natural protein called cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) that can block the entry of HIV and other deadly viruses into cells. The protein, which is activated by interferon, produces an oxysterol that can permeate cell walls and inhibit viral growth.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV exploits a human cytokine called interleukin 7 (IL-7) in semen to promote its own transmission. The researchers discovered that the increased concentration of IL-7 in semen facilitates HIV transmission to cervical tissue ex vivo.
Researchers found that African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss HIV knowledge, stigma, and prevention, leading to increased requests for home-based HIV tests. The study suggests social media can be a useful tool for collecting and analyzing data, saving money and i...
Researchers are investigating how macrophage activation affects nerve damage in HIV patients, with the goal of developing biomarkers for early detection and potential treatments.
Researchers at UC San Diego will investigate factors promoting successful aging in HIV-infected adults, including resilience and biomarkers of physical and cognitive aging.
A new study finds that extra-couple transmission accounts for 30% of new HIV infections in men and 10% in women within stable partnerships. Targeting all heterosexual routes of transmission with test-and-treat strategies could be key to fighting the epidemic.
A study found that conditional cash transfer programs can improve behavior among gay men and male sex workers in Mexico City. Gay men would participate at a rate of over 75% if offered $7-8.75/month, while male sex workers would participate for significantly less, $156/year.
A UK study found that improved prevention measures failed to reduce HIV levels among men who have sex with men in England and Wales, despite increased testing and treatment rates. The researchers suggest that targeting the most-at-risk groups and initiating treatment earlier may be necessary to bring about a drop in HIV incidence.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that patient satisfaction with care is associated with higher adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in HIV care. Patients who were more satisfied had better clinical outcomes, including improved survival rates.
A UCLA-led study found that older adults' general mistrust of the government and AIDS-related conspiracy theories significantly impact their willingness to get tested for HIV. Despite venues offering free testing, 45% of participants had not taken an HIV test in the past year.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that patient-directed problem-solving approaches improved HIV drug adherence, with patients taking nearly twice as many prescribed doses as those in standard care. This approach also led to a 50% improvement in viral suppression rates.
A new mobile device can perform laboratory-quality HIV testing in just 15 minutes and sync results with patient health records globally. It also detects weakly positive samples missed by existing rapid tests, revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment for people in resource-limited settings.
The Pitt team found that targeting Nef, a small HIV protein, could prevent it from replicating and infecting other cells. They discovered a compound called B9 that blocks Nef activity, impairing its function in the viral replication process.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have engineered key immune cells to resist HIV infection by inactivating a receptor gene and inserting additional anti-HIV genes. The new approach, known as 'stacking,' provides multiple layers of protection against the virus and could potentially replace drug treatment.
Scientists at the University of Missouri are working on a $3.4 million NIH project to create next-generation antiviral therapies by targeting the elusive HIV enzyme RNase H. The goal is to be ready for evolving resistant strains before they emerge, offering new treatment options.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins has identified a system that makes certain immune cells impervious to HIV infection. The discovery suggests a new approach to eradicating the virus from the body by targeting non-dividing cells.
Researchers found selective D-dimer testing safe and efficient in reducing diagnostic testing for suspected deep vein thrombosis. A three-pill generic-based regimen for HIV treatment could save up to $1 billion annually while being slightly less effective than the current one-pill regimen. State medical boards generally agree on invest...
A new study found that doctors who are culturally aware provide better quality of care to HIV patients from ethnic minorities. These patients tend to manage their treatment and condition better and have improved health outcomes. Increasing healthcare provider cultural competence can reduce racial disparities in both the quality of care...
A Danish study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV patients who smoke lose more years of life to smoking than to HIV infection. Researchers estimated the effect of smoking on mortality and life expectancy among nearly 3,000 HIV-infected patients treated in Denmark from 1995 to 2010.
Scientists tracked the origins of HIV and discovered potential genetic resistance in West African human populations. The study found overlaps between selection signatures and protective genes against HIV-1, which may have evolved to counteract the virus.
Researchers from IrsiCaixa have identified a molecule on the surface of dendritic cells that recognizes and binds HIV gangliosides, allowing the virus to be taken up by these cells and transmitted to CD4 T lymphocytes. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments against AIDS.
A new study by Tony Antoniou found that HIV hospitalizations in Ontario declined significantly since the introduction of combination antiretroviral drug therapy in 1996-97. However, women with HIV and low-income individuals continue to face higher rates of hospitalization compared to men and high-income patients.
Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, accounted for nearly two-thirds of all deaths globally in 2010. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke were responsible for one in four deaths, a significant increase from the previous decade.
Research finds that HIV-infected children have a 2.5-fold increased risk of early atherosclerosis damage, leading to cardiovascular disease. Experts recommend aggressive treatment of high cholesterol and promotion of healthy lifestyles to prevent complications.
Scientists at IMIM and UPF have simulated the release of HIV protease, a protein responsible for the virus's maturation process. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new antiretroviral therapies by understanding how free protease appears during the maturation process.
A new study published in AIDS Journal found that HIV subtype distribution is strongly influenced by spatial accessibility and transportation networks in Africa. The research used advanced mapping techniques to assess the role of 'spatial connectivity' in the spread of HIV across sub-Saharan Africa.
Routine use of upper endoscopy for most GERD patients does not improve patient health and may lead to unnecessary interventions. Computer alerts in HIV care improve patient outcomes by notifying providers of adverse events or missed appointments, leading to better follow-up practices.
A study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the HIV-positive partner in a serodiscordant couple significantly reduces HIV transmission rates, with a 26% relative reduction. However, the protective effect of ART seemed to only last for one year.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a versatile platform to offer contraception and prevent HIV using electrically spun cloth with nanometer-sized fibers. The fabric can dissolve to release drugs, providing immediate or sustained protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Researchers discover that JQ1 can reactivate latent HIV by activating the virus in the presence of potent therapy, making it vulnerable to current treatments. The study also found potent suppression of inflammatory genes, suggesting its potential effectiveness against other inflammatory conditions.
Routine HIV testing can significantly reduce AIDS-related morbidity and death, as well as HIV transmission. Implementing this strategy would provide a roadmap for an AIDS-free generation.
A new study at the University of Cincinnati uses computer-based simulation modeling to estimate the operational disruption and lost opportunity costs of introducing HIV testing into emergency departments. The research aims to provide valuable guidance for hospitals and policymakers on implementing HIV screening programs.
Two new clinical practice guidelines from six organizations address testing for patients with stable ischemic heart disease (IHD), recommending thorough history and physical examination prior to additional testing. A separate study found that adding testosterone to sildenafil therapy does not improve erectile function in men with low t...
A new study published in Hepatology found that African American women co-infected with HIV and HCV have lower liver-related mortality rates compared to Caucasian and Hispanic women. This finding suggests that racial disparities in liver disease may be influenced by other factors beyond just the presence of the virus.
A new approach to HIV vaccine development is underway, aiming to induce protective antibodies without increasing HIV-specific T helper cells. The project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, seeks to build on earlier studies showing that certain antibodies can protect against HIV infection.
A new HIV test developed at Northwestern University is being tested in Mozambique to deliver a diagnosis in under an hour. The test has a 95% accuracy rate and could significantly improve the rates of infected infants being diagnosed and treated, potentially saving thousands of lives.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that provider-initiated HIV testing does not negatively impact clients' consent practices, confidentiality, and referral to care. The research suggests that various modes of access can be scaled up without compromising individuals' rights.
A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology identifies a motor protein that helps HIV replicate in macrophages. KIF3A drives the virus along microtubules, facilitating its release from these cells. Inhibiting KIF3A may provide a new strategy for combating HIV.
Research at IDWeek 2012 reveals high rates of HIV medication errors in hospitalized patients, but studies suggest that combining electronic records with clinical education can significantly decrease errors. Hospitals are implementing quality improvement measures to address the issue.
Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS (GAPA) empowers grandmothers caring for HIV/AIDS-affected families with peer support, income-generating activities. Studies show GAPA members experience higher self-esteem and reduced poverty, stigma in their community.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that high-dose micronutrient supplementation has no effect on HIV disease progression in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. The study also showed that high doses of multivitamins increased the risk of liver problems and other serious conditions.
Renowned immunologist Dan R. Littman, MD, PhD, has been elected a member of the Institute of Medicine for his seminal contributions to immune recognition, HIV pathogenesis, and commensal bacteria in immune system development. His work has major impact in both immunology and virology.
A mathematical model suggests PrEP can be a cost-effective addition to existing HIV prevention strategies for MSM populations in Lima, Peru. However, significant funding would be required to generate substantial reductions in HIV incidence.
The University of Michigan has been awarded a $21 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish the Center for HIV RNA Studies, which aims to better understand the HIV virus on a molecular level. Researchers hope that this breakthrough could lead to innovative treatment approaches for AIDS and other diseases.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Facebook-based STI prevention messages encouraged condom use among young adults, with 68% reporting condom use two months after the intervention. The effects decreased over time but remained significant compared to traditional HIV prevention programs.
A recent study found that overall HIV death rates declined between 1993 and 2007 for most men and women by race/ethnicity and educational levels. However, disparities in mortality rates persisted among non-Hispanic black individuals, particularly those with lower education levels.
A new over-the-counter HIV test, OraQuick, is unlikely to significantly impact the fight against HIV due to its high cost and limited accessibility. Physicians recommend counseling patients about the use and limitations of home testing to make informed decisions.
A team of scientists will enroll 250 people living with HIV/AIDS in a clinical study to compare an intervention with a Holistic Health Recovery Program adapted for Alcohol Use Disorders, aiming to enhance patients' awareness and modify behaviors that promote HIV disease progression.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HIV protease inhibitor Nelfinavir inhibits the growth of HER2-positive tumors in mice. The treatment uses a dosage regimen similar to that used for HIV patients, suggesting potential as an anticancer agent.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a significant association between HIV infection and an increase in anal cancer risk among US males. The research suggests that measures to prevent anal cancer in HIV-infected males could reduce overall rates at the population level.
Researchers are investigating the mechanisms of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients, exploring whether HIV infection itself is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A study using transgenic mice could provide insight into how HIV causes lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and potentially lead to new trea...
A 15-year analysis shows that state-of-the-art HIV care improves health outcomes across all patient groups, including those most affected by the disease. Comprehensive care models with multiple levels of support lead to better clinical outcomes.
Researchers at George Mason University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the HIV virus targets 'veteran' memory T-cells. By exploiting the cell's treadmilling process, the virus can infect and kill these cells, leaving the body vulnerable to disease.